Animal lover finds home at shelter

Thursday

Throughout her life in Thibodaux, Kelli Toups has owned enough pets to craft her biography by telling it through the lives of her animals.

After serving the parish for six years, Toups now has an opportunity to use her experiences for the betterment of local pets as the new assistant manager the animal shelter.

Toups was recently granted a promotion from Lafourche Parish occupational license clerk to assistant manager of the animal shelter, shortly before she was honored at Tuesday nightís council meeting with an employee-of-the-month award.

Her change of employment means her duties overseeing occupational licenses, can shake permits,letters of no objection, noise permits and appointments to boards and commissions will be replaced with crafting advertising and caring for homeless pets.

Toups said parts of the job will "be a learning experience," but her experience suggests some aspects of the position will come naturally.

Her home is something of an animal shelter, with two rabbits, 23 goldfish, a black Labrador Retriever, a mini chick and soon, a chocolate Labrador Retriever.

"So I guess you could say Iím an animal lover," she said. "My dad hated that when I was a kid, Iíd bring home all the animals from the neighborhood."

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.